Headlines
Careers advice
"Excellent Range of Careers Education..."
2nd February 2009
“Hereford Sixth Form College provides an excellent range of careers education and individual advice and guidance (IAG) support for its students.” That was the over-riding impression of Jane Owens, who visited the College recently. Ms Owens is an independent consultant appointed by Herefordshire Council to fulfil a brief as set by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
Jane Owens conducted interviews with Hilary White, Head of Careers, and with Janet Gaskell together with a number of ‘A’ level students. Terena Smith, of Connexions, also was consulted as part of the inspection.
The inspection concluded that the College has very many strengths: “Students needs and interests are thoroughly assessed prior to College entry and are used to develop a personalised programme for each student."
“The well-established Careers team provides highly valued one-to-one and group support for students, and works in close partnership with the Connexions PA."
“Students’ progress and targets are reviewed by their tutors on a regular basis – these tutors also help students to access a wide range of pastoral support.”
“An experienced and highly committed Careers team provides students with one-to-one and group support. This team also advises tutors on how they can best support their students in their preparations for life post-College."
“Students benefit from a five-week Careers programme (1 session per week) in Year 1 and a further 10 week programme (1 session per week) in Year 2. All sessions are mandatory for students intending to progress into HE whilst those intending to progress into employment must attend the first three sessions each year.
“Intensive support is provided to enable young people to develop their understanding of Higher Education. The College takes students on visits to higher education institutions, and a range of visiting speakers also make inputs."
“The College Careers team also provides high quality support to young people applying to Higher Education. They not only advise them on the process but also check their UCAS applications to help ensure that they are accurate.”
The Report also noted the support offered to those students who plan moving into employment rather than continuing their formal education:
“Students intending to progress into employment also benefit from the recent addition of sessions that focus upon employment opportunities.
“The Connexions PA arranges a half-day ‘employer conference’ which involves local employers making presentations to students intending to progress into employment on leaving College.”
Another encouraging feature of Ms Owens’ report was that no areas for development were highlighted. Indeed, this applied in all eleven areas of the Careers Department's work considered by the inspection. “More of the same – keep up the good work” seemed to be the over-riding message left by Ms Owens’ inspection.
Jane Owens was appointed to carry out the IAG Baseline Assessments in all Herefordshire institutions involving 14-19 year olds on behalf of Herefordshire Council who are tasked (by the Department for Children, Schools and Families) with ensuring that all institutions are helped to meet the 'National Quality Standards for Young People's IAG' published by DCSF in late 2007.
Commenting on the results of the inspection, Hilary White, Head of Careers said, “I am delighted by the outcome of this inspection. It is a welcome recognition and a real tribute to the dedicated team of staff who work in the Careers department to provide the excellent level of support we offer students".